Chapter 126

[Big picture]

Jinga Gaekjan was quiet today as well.

Because it is a guest house in a rural village, there are very few customers, and most of the customers who come like beans during the drought are regulars.

Old Man Jin, who was sweeping and wiping the inside of the guesthouse, looked back at his grandson and said. His face was bright.

“Hyuna. How about Eohyangyuksa for lunch?”

Old Man Jin has been smiling a lot lately.

This was because Hyeon-i, who had been weak since birth, had improved a lot recently.

‘It’s gotten surprisingly better. It makes me wonder if Hyeon-i has ever had such good complexion…’

I don’t know the exact reason why Hyeon’s physical condition suddenly improved.

He thought it was because of the changed medicine, so he gave the drugstore a generous amount of money for the medicine, and the doctor who heard the story was just amazed.

“That’s really interesting. “It’s an ordinary tonic…”

“haha. There are different medicines that suit your body. Anyway, thank you very much. thank you!”

Because Hyeon’s complexion has improved, Old Man Jin has been listening to his mouth lately.

He doesn’t think he shows that much, but Namgoonghyeon saw it all in his eyes.

A chuckle escaped Hyeon, but he scolded her grandfather for no reason.

“Eohyang Meuksa? How much does it cost? Let’s eat it together. “I’d rather make it and sell it to customers.”

“There are no customers anyway. You must have also received money from selling your mother’s belongings. “Let’s take a look after a long time.”

“Oh my. “It wouldn’t have been a waste sold just for that purpose…”

Hyun-i pouted her lips. But a smile was spreading across his lips. It was the same as Old Man Jin.

“haha! “The elixir for you will arrive today or tomorrow, so don’t worry.”

“Who cares?”

Hyeon looked down at his body.

It was really strange. For the past few mornings, I haven’t been able to feel that refreshed when I wake up.

‘I don’t have the occasional chills or fever, and I don’t get short of breath when I move a little.’

These are all things that are natural to ordinary people, but for Namgoong Hyun, it was a series of amazing miracles.

‘This is what it feels like to be healthy. Could it have something to do with the dreams I have every night?’

In fact, there was one thing that Nam Gung-hyeon did not tell Old Man Jin.

For the past few days, she has been dreaming every night.

No, it was more of a feeling than a dream.

It feels like someone familiar is giving me a warm hug from behind, and I just want to curl up and act like a fool.

And when she woke up the next morning, her body couldn’t be that refreshed.

But she didn’t tell that to Old Man Jin.

It was difficult for her to explain accurately, and she felt like her grandfather would be disappointed if her condition worsened again.

and….

‘For some reason, I’m embarrassed to say it.’

Namgoonghyeon spoke cautiously.

“grandfather. I don’t think I need to take elixirs anymore. “My body doesn’t hurt that much anymore…”

But Old Man Jin hardened her expression and shook her head. He was strict at times like this.

“That can’t be said. “In times like these, we need to take more care of our health.”

“but….”

“Hyuna.”

Hyeon had no choice but to nod his head at his determined expression. She couldn’t bear to refuse because she knew that her grandfather cared for her more than anyone else.

“all right.”

“I’m starting to feel hungry.”

“In the end, you want to eat fish-hyang-yuksa, right?”

“I think it would be more delicious if I had the fish-flavored pork that my grandson made.”

The two prepared a meal together.

We boiled somen and stir-fried pork in two large pots. On the other side, Old Man Jin was chopping vegetables with skillful hands.

Crack, thump. Grumbling. Chi-ik-!

As the cooking was completed, the delicious smell spread to the outside of the guesthouse.

“Then let’s eat it.”

It was time for them to wipe down one of the tables and start placing the finished dishes on it.

Grumble.

The only guest in the room opened the door and came out.

My mouth split open as I yawned.

“Hwaam-. good morning.”

The great man walked over, scratching his head. He brought a chair and sat down calmly between the two people at the table.

“oh. Is it Eohyang Yuksa? Umm…”

The great man looked away, picked up the meat with chopsticks, ate it, and was amazed.

“Wow. It’s delicious. Hyuna. “Just one bottle of bamboo leaf extract.”

Hyeon, who was just about to sit down, glanced at Daein and brought in three bottles of bamboo leaf syrup. There was one bottle each.

“How is it that whenever it’s time to eat, he comes out of the room like a ghost?”

The great man sniffed his nose and said.

“The food your grandfather made must smell so good.”

“I made it today.”

“really? You are quite good too. “When I get married later, I will be loved by my wife.”

“My brother is lazy, so I think his wife will suffer a lot if he gets married.”

The two had become quite close over the past few days. The two pairs of chopsticks swished like two hawks targeting the same prey.

“oh! “I saved that to eat later!”

The great man said, muttering his meat in an obnoxious manner.

“Some kid said something similar before. So, I taught him that there is no later and that life means that if you don’t eat something delicious quickly, someone else will eat it. After that, I never made the same mistake.”

“Don’t act cool by saying weird things!”

“…I hope the little boy doesn’t have any accidents and is doing well in school.”

Old Man Jin just looked at the scene happily and smiled.

As if it were an ordinary day, the three people ate together while chatting.

Afternoon sunlight shone through the wide open doors and windows. The cool wind passed through my hair comfortably.

‘Today is a peaceful day as always.’

Daein really liked the life here, where he naturally became lazy both physically and mentally.

There were very few people coming and going, the air was clean, and above all, Old Man Jin and Hyeon’s cooking skills were beyond the top.

The three of them had become quite close during the few days they stayed at the guest house, and were now able to share some personal stories.

“Anyway, there you are. “Aren’t you doing training?”

“yes? Water lilies?”

Daein looked at Old Man Jin with an expression as if he was asking if this was a new food menu.

At that moment, not only Old Man Jin but also Nam Gung-hyeon clicked their tongues.

‘Huh. This friend. My personality is really nice…’

Old Man Jin looked at the great man with an expression that said it was a waste.

In his opinion, the great man was too lazy for a martial artist. His daily routine was to wake up early in the morning, practice fortune telling, and go out to the backyard to train his body.

However, Daein had never seen him run, let alone show off his luck.

‘At a glance, you can see that his muscles are really good… If he just trains sincerely, he could become a top-notch martial artist.’

According to Old Man Jin’s judgment, Daein’s martial arts level was second-rate at best. He probably won’t be able to use his sword skills.

Out of pity, Old Man Jin started nagging, something he normally wouldn’t do.

“Your muscles are unusually good. “It’s not too late. If you practice hard, you will get good results.”

The great man shrugged his shoulders and answered. Yet he moved his chopsticks without stopping.

“well. “I think I’m still doing enough martial arts training.”

“…there is not enough in martial arts training.”

Old Man Jin had a rare serious expression on his face.

Although he is hiding his identity now, he was also a warrior who had reached the peak of his skills. He had no choice but to be serious in his attitude toward martial arts.

“Even if you reach the level of transcendence and can unleash powerful energy at will, even if it is at a level where you are not restricted by herbivory. Even such experts train their mind without resting. What’s more, a second-rate person like you… I’m sorry. Young dancers still need to save time and train. Gangho is a tough place. “If you lack skills, you never know what might happen to you…”

Old Man Jin, who had been speaking passionately for a while, suddenly looked embarrassed and turned his gaze to the chopsticks.

“Hmm. I trembled at the topic of an old man living in a private room. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s all true.”

The great man poured his bamboo leaf extract into his own glass and drank it down. Seeing his still carefree appearance, Old Man Jin burst out laughing.

“Anyway, don’t take my words lightly. “As someone who once taught many young people at a martial arts school, I am saying this because I feel sorry for your qualifications.”

At that moment, Old Man Jin saw the great man’s serious eyes for the first time.

“What did you just say?”

“I feel sorry for your qualifications….”

“Not that, but before that. “You said you taught martial arts in the past?”

Old Man Jin nodded his head hesitantly.

And as he reflected on what mistake he had made, he said:

“It did. “It was a small military officer, but…”

15 years ago, Geomhwangmun was in decline, but it was by no means a small military officer.

‘At the time, it was at least within the Baekdaemun faction.’

Old Man Jin had pride. He was a martial arts leader who taught more than hundreds of warriors.

Even though I have to lie like this now…

“…He was a small military officer in the village. “He taught about twenty children.”

“is it so? Hmm…”

Of course, Daein knew the truth behind his lies.

‘A martial arts school from Geomhwangmun. Should I take you as a guild martial arts teacher?’

“Hmm….”

The great man narrowed his eyes and looked at Old Man Jin. It was, in a way, similar to the gaze of a hawk hunting for its prey.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”

The great man asked in a quiet voice.

“Are you planning on re-employment as an experienced worker?”

“Hmm?”

The great man began to stab in earnest.

“We are looking for a capable martial arts leader at Baekga Inspection. “The best treatment in the industry, a family-like atmosphere, no retirement age, four major insurance policies, and even responsibility for your children’s college education…”

But Old Man Jin shook his head before he could hear everything he said.

“I appreciate your intentions, but I have to decline. I’ve already retired a long time ago. “My skills have all rusted away… I’m no longer fit to do that kind of work.”

‘lie.’

Daein was convinced that Old Man Jin’s words were lies.

Old Man Jin was practicing every morning and evening and whenever he had time. Even though he is close to seventy years old, his strong muscles and calluses on his hands prove it.

Old Man Jin smiled kindly and said.

“And we’re going to clean up the place and move in within a few days. “I told you this last time, but now you should look for another guest.”

Old Man Jin did not go into detail.

Sometime today or tomorrow, the merchant with the elixir will come from the city to town. After taking it, the two planned to leave in search of a new hideout to avoid their possible pursuers.

The master didn’t ask in detail either. He simply nodded his head.

“Then I guess I’ll have to go to another city soon.”

“Have you decided where to go?”

“yes. “I found out where the thing I was looking for was.”

“That’s a good thing.”

Daein didn’t just play like Hanryang for a few days.

He went around looking for information to find out the whereabouts of Changcheon Shingeom.

And he was able to find out the location much easier than he thought.

Murim League.

It is said that the Changcheon Godgeom is currently stored in the Murim Alliance.

‘The problem is how to get it out…’

Contrary to his expectations that it would take a long time to find out where he was, he found out the location quickly.

However, the problem was how to remove the Changcheon Godgeom, which was stored in the Murim Alliance.

‘If you touch it wrongly, you won’t even be able to remove its bones.’

There are experts who are hiding in various places under tight surveillance, and even Ki Moon-jin who does not know what will come out.

Infiltrating the Murim Alliance was so dangerous that even a great man would have to risk his life.

And the great man did not want to risk his life for martial arts.

‘I think there must be some other way…’

The last few days have been a time of thinking about how to do that.

Thanks to this, I have now drawn the general picture.

The great man said as he poured alcohol into Old Man Jin’s cup.

“Today might be the last time I drink with you.”

“haha. Maybe so. “Thank you for being my drinking buddy for a few days.”

It was at that time that a new guest entered the guesthouse.

“Oh my. “It smelled delicious so I came in and they were already having a drink.”

The middle-aged man was a hunter.

Dark skin and thick leather clothes. He had a bow strapped to his back and five swords for different purposes on his belt.

He was one-eyed, with an eyepatch over his left eye, and had a limp, with his feet slightly stumbling when he walked.

The man said as he placed the roe deer he was carrying on his shoulder and placed it on the ground.

“Elder. “Please dismantle this.”

“You too. “I’ll take it to Mr. Wang, the butcher. What if he brings this to me?”

Even though Old Man Jin grumbled, he moved the deer to the kitchen. The hunter casually brought a chair and sat down at the table.

“Mr. Wang, that guy. Honestly, my skills are poor. Elderly people are much better. Let’s grill some meat together and eat it. Lim Sohyeop. “You never go out of the guest house?”

“I usually go out in the afternoon and come back at night.”

Daein also pretended to know the hunter. It was one of the few faces I came to know during the few days I stayed at the guesthouse.

“Did Yang Daehyeop come early today?”

The hunter called Yang Dae-hyeop chuckled, revealing his yellow teeth. seaʀᴄh thё NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“What is Daehyeop? “He came back to his hometown as an asshole.”

The man’s name was Yang Chun-sam.

He is the nephew of Old Man Yang, the best friend of Old Man Jin in this village, and lost both his parents 30 years ago when the disease broke out.

After that, he was a man with a lot of history who ran away from the village to become a martial artist, but only returned to his hometown a few months ago.

Old Man Jin quickly finished dismantling the roe deer and cut up the meat and grilled it.

Chi profit….

The smell of grilling meat wafted all the way to the outside of the guesthouse.

A drinking party was held inside the guesthouse with roe deer meat as a snack.

The three men quickly got into the mood.

“Haha! Even though I’m an idiot now, I heard that at one time, when I went to Hanam, the courtesans suddenly died! “Angry, that bitch wants to run away with me at night…”

As the alcohol poured in, Yang Chun-sam told a story about his past adventures. Even as he poured almost an entire bottle of his bamboo leaf syrup, he showed no signs of being drunk.

“Those pure white breasts. It’s soft and has a heavenly texture. “The valley below is so lush…”

“…….”

Namgoonghyeon’s face became increasingly red as he listened to the story. Yang Chun-sam saw that and laughed mischievously.

“Look at this guy. “The boy’s face is blushing when he hears this… Let’s see how big the pepper has grown.”

When Yang Chun-sam tried to reach through his pants, Nam Gung-hyeon got scared and slapped his hand away.

“Do not!”

Then he quickly got up and ran to the kitchen. Yang Chun-sam saw that and laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! “I’ll bet my wallet that that guy’s pants are bulging!”

Old Man Jin smiled bitterly and said. It was he who dressed Namgoonghyeon in men’s clothes and raised him like a man.

“In moderation. “Isn’t he still a child?”

Yang Chun-sam giggled for a while longer and finally stopped laughing.

“Sigh…. Ah yes. Hehehe!”

Although Yang Chun-sam was mischievous, he was not a bad man.

Before Daein came, he was Old Man Jin’s only drinking companion and also relayed relatively recent martial arts news.

‘It may be a bit vulgar, but after experiencing the rough martial arts, this is a noble person.’

At that time, Daein asked Yang Chun-sam.

“Yangdaehyup. “If you were active in Hanam, do you know anyone in the Murim Alliance?”

“Murimmaeng? “It’s not like it doesn’t exist… but why is that?”

The great man smiled slyly and filled Yang Chun Sam’s glass with alcohol.

“I have something to do with going to the Murim Alliance. “If you know someone in the area, I was wondering if you could write a letter of introduction… can I ask you a favor?”

“It’s just a letter of introduction….”

Yang Sam-chun suddenly looked uncertain. When Old Man Jin saw that, he suppressed his laughter.

‘They were just bragging because it was such a rural area. Yang Chun-sam probably never even joined the Murim Alliance.’

As expected, Yang Chun-sam started scratching his head with a troubled expression.

“…haha. If my younger brother wants it, of course I should write it. But I don’t know if those friends are still in the Murim Alliance… It’s been quite a while since I left Hanam…”

Daein also quickly canceled the request.

“Now that I think about it, it’s not polite to ask for an unreasonable favor. “Please pretend I didn’t hear you.”

“No, I don’t think it’s too much… Hahaha! My brother’s glass is empty. First, get a drink!”

The three men gave and received some roe deer meat as a snack and emptied their glasses.

They got along very well. Although our personalities, ages, and goals were different, we quickly became close friends over drinks in a boring village.

It was at that time that another guest came into the guest room.

“Jinga!”

The person who came in screaming like an old man was an old man with white hair.

“Yanghyung. “What’s going on?”

“Hmm? “Uncle?”

Old Man Jin and Yang Chun-sam turned around and said at the same time. The old man with a contemplative face was Old Man Yang, who was the closest friend of Old Man Jin in the village.

“There is chaos now! “The bandits robbed the merchant who was coming into town!”

At those words, Old Man Jin jumped up from his seat. The first thing that came to mind at this moment was one thing.

“What elixir to give to Hyeon-i?”

Old Man Yang said, beating his chest in frustration.

“You bastard, is the elixir the problem now? This means that all the items that were being loaded on top were taken away! “People died too!”

And then Old Man Yang sighed and spoke softly.

“It looks like they somehow figured out that the top coming this time contains an expensive elixir.”

“…….”

Old Man Jin’s expression hardened. At the same time, Yang Chun-sam’s expression hardened. He was sipping the remaining drink without anyone noticing.

Yang Chun-sam said because he was a hunter, the surrounding mountains were bright.

“If it’s that way, it’s probably the work of those Palryongchae bastards. “I heard that the boss changed a while ago, so maybe that’s why…”

“What are their numbers? “Do you know where your headquarters is?”

“There will be about 50 people. “The living quarters are caves, and I’ve only been close to them…”

‘If there are 50 people.’

It was a number that a peak expert could easily deal with. Since it wasn’t Nokrimsip8chae, there was no way there would be a great master in it.

Old Man Jin thought.

‘How could that elixir be found and then taken away?’

Sometimes, even if you have money, you can’t find the elixir. Moreover, it is even more difficult to find in a village like this.

It was an elixir that I had found through very difficult research, and I bought it by selling even the last treasure left behind by Hyeon’s mother at a bargain price.

‘We can’t just let bandits drink that elixir.’

There was no time. If you don’t go quickly, the elixir might end up in the stomach of a thief who doesn’t even know its value.

‘In that case, even if it means cutting open that guy’s stomach, he will take out the elixir.’

After making his decision, Old Man Jin went to the kitchen and took his sword. He put the old sword on his back and put it away.

“I will go and come back.”

“Elder!”

Yang Chun-sam also jumped up from his seat.

Perhaps because he had been drinking quite a bit, he seemed to be incensed by the bandits’ actions. He shouted, pulling out his sword.

“I will go too! This Seomjeondo Yangchun Sam! “I will cut down the thieves and prove that Gangho’s justice is still alive!”

Old Man Jin said with a distrustful expression.

“You just guide me as far as their living quarters. And coming back….”

“yes! “Please leave your back to me!”

“…….”

Even if he needed a guide, Yang Chun-sam had to go with him. Old Man Jin sighed deeply and looked at the great man.

“Perhaps you too….”

The great man shrugged his shoulders and said.

“I don’t want to go. “I was a little tired after drinking.”

“…Good idea. “It would be better for you to stay here.”

He had hoped from the beginning that he wouldn’t follow, but when the great man said that, he couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

‘…There is nothing to be disappointed about. Anyway, with the skills of a second-rate warrior, it won’t be of much help.’

Old Man Jin called Namgunghyeon.

“Hyuna. “The money will be gone soon.”

“Do you have to go? “I think I’ll be fine if I don’t take that elixir…”

Namgoonghyeon looked up at her grandfather with a worried look on his face. Old Man Jin smiled warmly and sent a message.

[Have you forgotten who this allotment is? It doesn’t matter if there are 500 bandits instead of 50. There is nothing to worry about.]

[Shall I go with you?]

Old Man Jin shook his head.

It was difficult for Namgung-hyeon to climb the mountain with his physical strength. In a 1:1 match, Namgoong Hyun could beat even a top-class expert, but it was impossible for him to fight because he was so physically drained.

[It will be safer to stay here. I’ll be back soon.]

And Old Man Jin left the guesthouse with his adoptive old man, Yang Chun-sam.

“grandfather….”

Namgung-hyeon lingered in front of the door of the guesthouse and continued to look in the direction where her grandfather had disappeared.

At that time, Daein called Namgunghyeon.

“I’m out of my mind, so come sit here. “Paris is coming in, so close the door.”

bang!

After closing the door, Namgoonghyun walked over and sat down with Daein.

“Brother, you don’t have to worry about what happens to my grandfather. But I am the only family. “How are you not worried?”

“What are you worried about? “Your grandfather is older.”

“That’s so strong… How does he know that?”

Daein smiled at Namgoonghyun, who asked with wide eyes in surprise.

“You’ll know it when you see it.”

The great man finished his remaining drink and looked around him.

There were only two people in the empty guesthouse.

The guest house was located on the outskirts of the village and there were almost no customers.

Yang Chun-sam was hiding his martial arts skills.

Old Man Yang was poisoned.

Old Man Jin, who loved her granddaughter so much, could not have taken Nam Gung-hyeon to a bandits’ den.

‘And I started feeling strange signs two days ago.’

They watched Jinga Gaekjan from a distance that even the best expert could not notice, but they would have never imagined that there would be more experts in the guesthouse than that.

“Tsk. Look at this, look at this.”

The great man looked around him and clicked his tongue.

“When the owner is away, flies quickly become entangled.”

The great man lightly threw one of the chopsticks he was holding with a snap of his wrist.

Whick!

The chopsticks flew like bullets and stuck in the wall.

“Wow!”

Blood flowed from the hole in the wall where the chopsticks were inserted. Namgoonghyun screamed when he saw that.

“Aaaah!”

At the same time, the walls and ceiling of the guest room exploded! It broke apart and masked people poured in.

“Catch Jeomsoy!”

The great man stood up, holding the one remaining chopstick. He had Namgoonghyeon behind his back and twirled his chopsticks like a ballpoint pen.

“Then, let’s show our future martial arts teacher a favor.”

[Big Picture] End